Official degree in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology at UAB

29/06/2010

Nanoscience and Nanotechnology are focused on the study of phenomena and on the manipulation of materials at atomic, molecular and macromolecular scale, where properties differ considerably from those found at higher levels. These disciplines span the spectrum of scientific fields, including medicine, physics, engineering or chemistry. Due to their applications, these disciplines are considered one of the most important forces of the new knowledge industry and society.

The objective is for these disciplines to provide scientific and technological innovations which will offer solutions to many of the problems of today's society in areas such as medicine, information and communication technologies, production and storage of energy, advances in new materials, fabrication at nanometer-scale, development of new tools needed for scientific problems, food technology, water and environmental technologies and improvements in security.

In the following years numerous applications will be developed in the fields of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, and this implies a need in the labour market for professionals with adequate training in this new industry capable of carrying out research. There will be therefore a great demand for specialists in these fields.

The degree in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology offers interdisciplinary training which combines knowledge in the subjects of physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics with the aim of generating new knowledge, goods and services. The skills acquired in this degree can be applied to the fields of technologies, materials, biotechnology, medicine and health, energy and the environment.

Among the specific skills acquired by students, importance is given to:

• understanding the fundamental concepts, principles, theories and facts related to nanoscience and nanotechnology;
• applying these to resolving problems of both quantitative and qualitative natures;
• recognition and capacity of analysis of physical, chemical and biological problems in the fields of nanoscience and nanotechnology in order to provide the answers or tasks needed to solve these problems;
• development of processes such as synthesising, characterising and studying the properties of nanoscale materials;
• manipulation of standard tools and materials used specifically for physical, chemical and biological lab tests focused on the study and analysis of nanoscale phenomena;
• interpretation of data obtained through experimental measures;
• application of general laboratory security and operational standards and specific regulations for the manipulation of instruments and of chemical and biological products and materials, while taking into account properties and risks;
• correct assessments of risks for health and environmental and socio-economical impact associated with chemical substances and nanomaterials;
• comprehension of the legislation that regulates intellectual property in the area of knowledge and application of nanoscience and nanotechnology;
• recognition of specialised terms in English in the fields of physics, chemistry and biology, as well as in nanoscience and nanotechnology, and effective use of the English language, both spoken and in writing for academic and professional purposes;
• and finally applying ethical principles and legislation to the area of nanoscience and nanotechnology.

More information: Degree in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology